Packaging intelligente: nuevos retos y nuevas funcionalidades

Noveno Congreso de las Artes Grficas Valencia, 28 de octubre de 2009 Elina Rusko

VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

Agenda
What is VTT
Presentation of organization, key figures, location etc.

Introduction packaging trends and challenges Overview of smart packaging

Definitions Codes & RFID

Example projects on functional printing Conclusions

VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

1 Que s VTT

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

VTT IS the biggest multitechnological applied research organisation in Northern Europe

Turnover 245 M

VTT HAS polytechnic R&D covering different fields of technology from electronics to building technology clients and partners: industrial and business enterprises, organisations, universities and research institutes VTT CREATES new technology and science-based innovations in co-operation with domestic and foreign partners

Personnel 2,700 77% with higher academic degree 6,200 customers Established 1942 VTT has been granted ISO9001:2000 certificate.

VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

1 Que s VTT

VTT on map

Saint Petersburg, Russia Brussels, Belgium Silicon Valley, USA Seoul, South Korea Shanghai, China Tokyo, Japan

Finland

Turku

Tampere

Oulu Raahe Kajaani

Kuopio Jyvskyl Lappeenranta

Rajamki Espoo

VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

1 Que s VTT

Public decision makers, financiers and R&D performers

Parliament Parliament of of Finland Finland Council Council of of State State

Research and Innovation Council

Ministry Ministry of of Education Education

Academy of Finland Universities Universities

Ministry Ministry of of Employment Employment and and the the Economy Economy
Tekes, the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation

Other Other ministries ministries and and research research institutes institutes
Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund Finnvera Finpro Finnish Industry Investment Ltd

VTT

TE-Centres TE-Centres
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VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

1 Que s VTT

VTTs research projects

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Commercial activities
Commercial activities are performed according to direct demand from customers.

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Joint projects

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Self-financed research
Self-financed research consists of technologybased strategic research projects aimed at developing competitiveness and acquiring knowledge and expertise to meet the future needs of customers.

Joint projects are initiated on the basis of need and typically jointly funded by VTT, companies, research financers (*) and/or other research parties.

(*) R&D

funding possibilities for example Tekes (The Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation) EU projects

VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

1 Que s VTT

Research and development

VTT KNOWLEDGE CLUSTERS
BIOTECHNOLOGY ENERGY AND PULP & PAPER ICT MATERIALS AND BUILDING MICROTECHNOLOGIES AND SENSORS INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS

VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

1 Que s VTT

FUNCTIONAL FIBRE PRODUCTS -center

Focal competences
Web forming and control Modeling and simulation of pulp & paper processes Functional properties of paper and cardboard Printing and control of printing surfaces Digital printing Innovative, intelligent printed products Functional packages New product concepts and solutions

VTT offers unique research infrastructure based on innovations strong research, measurement and modeling know-how practical solutions based on innovative methods

VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

1 Que s VTT
MANUFACTURING:

Digital Printing Research 1995-2009 at VTT

Functional Functional Inks Inks in in Inkjet InkjetPrinting Printing Printable PrintableOptics Optics And And Electronics Electronics PRINTO PRINTO Surface Surface Proximity Proximity Assay Assay Printable Printable Quality QualityIndicators Indicators

ICT ICT Applications Applications

Manufacturing ManufacturingBased Based on onInkjet Inkjet

PACKAGING:

Printing Printingof of Variable Variable Information Information On On Packages Packages

On OnDemand DemandPackage Package Printing Printing

Sustainpack Sustainpack (EU (EU IP) IP)

Messenger Messenger Package Package

Communication Communicationin in Consumer Consumer Package Package

PUBLICATION:
Dynamic Dynamic Interactions Interactions and andImage Image Quality Qualityin in Ink Ink Jet Jet Printing Printing (EPP-Programme) (EPP-Programme) Home Home Printing Printing From From Network Network Quality QualityPotential Potential Of Of Digital DigitalPhoto Photo Printing Printing Innovative Innovative Development Developmentof of Ink InkJet Jet (NI) (NI)

Print PrintInteract Interact Business Business from from Functional Functional Printing Printing Printelligence Printelligence

Microscale Microscale Dynamics Dynamics in in Ink InkJet Jet Printing Printing

Publications Publications Applications Applications of of High HighSpeed SpeedIJ IJ

Integrating Integrating Printed Printedand and Electronic Electronic Media Media Print PrintAccess Access

1995

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2001

2004

2007
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2010

VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

1 Que s VTT

New industry from printed intelligence

By combining IT, electronics and printing technologies, VTT is creating entirely new business opportunities based on printed smart products. In collaboration with a number of companies, VTT is using the roll-to-roll technology to develop innovative, printed smart products. In the future we may well find ourselves using products such as functional wallpaper that can identify mildew, or a smart floor that functions as a user interface for dementia patients, or even food products that indicate their own freshness. VTTs new Centre for Printed Intelligence seeks to break new ground in the area between the traditional ICT industry and the paper industry. Product groups already under development include multi-technological smart products and bio-active paper, as well as ICT and electronics products. Of particular note among the multi-technological smart products under development are organic, flexible solar cells, simple displays, and disposable sensors for applications such as home diagnostics and smart packaging.
Additional information: Harri Kopola, Research Professor

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VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

2 Trends and Challenges in Packaging

Multidimensional Character of Packaging

Functions of Packaging
Protect the product & protect environment from the product. Maintain the functional properties of the product. Improve hygiene & user safety. Make efficient production and distribution possible. Minimize product losses. Provide information. Promote the product and the brand. Enhance sales appeal at retail. Improve consumer convenience.
Product Product Preservation Preservation Supply Supply Chain Chain

Information Information

PACKAGING PACKAGING

Safety Safety

Marketing && Marketing Branding Branding

Convenience Convenience

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VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

2 Trends and Challenges in Packaging

The three characteristics of a package as a successful MESSENGER

INFORMATIVE packaging is the messenger of product information, marketing messages, safety information and messages for logistics needs. good functioning, proximity to end user favourable, fast, and friendly to environment.

PRACTICAL

AESTHETIC

the design of packages sends many messages (graphics, colours, shape etc.) desirable for consumers with aesthetics created in a way that does not hinder the information.

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VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

2 Trends and Challenges in Packaging

Challenges in Package Communication

The messenger role of packaging has continual big challenges such as:
THE AMOUNT AND QUALITY OF MESSAGES Small space vs. a lot of information COMPETITION OF CONSUMERS How to stand up in stores? Increasing marketing importance. AUTHENTICATION AND ANTI-TAMPER MESSAGES How to authenticate products? INTERACTION WITH INFORMATION NETWORKS

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VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

3 Overview of Smart Packaging

Smart Packaging
Terms smart, intelligent, communicative, interactive, functional are used when talking about smart packaging. There doesnt appear to be a consensus on the definition what makes a smart packaging The traditional tasks of packaging such as protecting the and sealing in the product can be called as passive packaging features. Smart packaging means something more. A few definitions for smart packaging: It is the chemical, biological, mechanical, electrical, and electronic technologies that make a package interact in some way Extend the functions of packaging beyond traditional Perform actions

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VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

3 Overview of Smart Packaging

Categorization of Functional Packages into Active and Intelligent Packages

Active & Intelligent Packaging

Active Packaging

Intelligent Packaging

Scavengers, Emitters, Moisture regulators, Odour absorbers etc.

Indicators (moisture, gas, freshness etc.)

Codes & RFID tags

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VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

3 Overview of Smart Packaging

Codes & Tags

Bar codes, 2D codes and RFID tags work as databases where the information can be read by reading device Large information capacity and faultlessness are the benefits of two dimensional barcodes Information is coded both in vertical and horizontal direction and therefore these codes can hold considerable more information than traditional linear barcodes.

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3 Overview of Smart Packaging

The Evolution of Package Information for Identification

Source: Lammers, W. RFID in Logistics, IAPRI 2004

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VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

3 Overview of Smart Packaging

RFID
Radio Frequency Identification is contactless method for data transfer in object identification RFID technology uses tags that can be incorporated into products, containers, pallets, etc. to monitor real time information and transmitted to users computer system. Tag is a device or label which consists of a silicon chip and antenna. RFID tags are used in packages e.g. for supply chain management, identification, tracking and inventory, monitoring conditions, anti-counterfeiting reasons etc.

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VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

3 Overview of Smart Packaging

RFID
Basic modules of RFID technology: Transponder (tag with chip and antenna/coil) Writer/reader Computer application Power supply Active (internal battery) Passive The technology is ready to satisfy an actual requirement. RFID tag price depends largely on the production method and number of tags produced.

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VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

3 Overview of Smart Packaging

RFID
Traditionally: Embedded copper wire substrates Copper etching techniques Substractive process of etching into a copper layer The copper surrounding the antenna structure will be etched away Printing technology: Printing with conductive silver inks (screen, flexo and inkjet) Additive process Consumes fewer raw materials and reduces waste Printing is a well-tried industrial process

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VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

3 Overview of Smart Packaging

Printed RFID
Printed RFID tags are anticipated to require less capital expense and shorter production cycles. Also printed RFID technology is expected to be used in a broader range of applications. However, much work still needs to be done. Creating printed RFID that can maintain robust performance under different conditions is difficult. Since the demands in certain highvalue end-use sectors, such as retail packaging, can be unforgiving this is very significant. Moreover, production techniques are not ready and cost concerns exist. The absence of standards in the printed electronics industry is also discouraging for potential users.
Source: IntertechPira, Printed RFID 2009
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3 Overview of Smart Packaging

Printed RFID

Source: Keck, A., "Printed RFID on paper", PTS

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VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

3 Overview of Smart Packaging

Printed RFID
The paper based RFIDs showed a good functionality, even better than that of the PE based samples The paper substrate should have low electrical surface- and forward resistance Rougher papers showed better results than smooth papers Due to the high ink layer thickness required for a low antenna resistance, no significant influence of the different paper properties could be found

Source: Keck, A., "Printed RFID on paper", PTS

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VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

4 Projects

Projects at VTT

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VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

4 Projects

Research example: SustainPack Innovation and Sustainable Development in the Fibre Based Packaging Value Chain
Development of optically detectable indicators for food packages. Inkjet printed oxygen indicator was developed.

Utilisation of 2D barcodes in information transfer and anticounterfeiting of consumer packages. Software for reading recipes from 2D bar codes was implemented.

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VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

4 Projects

Research example: SustainPack Printable RH indicators for fibre based packages

Examples of the indicator performance at different humidities RH 24.7% 0h 0h RH 51.4% RH 79.6% 0h

3.5 h

3.5 h

4h

20 h

20 h

20 h

7d

7d

7d
EU Sustainpack -project: Innovation and Sustainable Development in the Fibre Based Packaging Value Chain

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VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

4 Projects

Research example: A game demo on paper substrates

A concept for an all inkjet printed active element on paper was demonstrated. Four different ink types were needed: conductive, dielectric, thermochromic and CMYK inks. Inks were printed with pietzo-electric printheads. Two paper substrates were used: photographic and LWC (65 g/m2).

Source: Hakola & al. Inkjet printed active element on paper based on conductive and thermochromic materials. DF 2007.

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VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

4 Projects

Research example: a game demo Subtrates in printed electronics

Plastic films (PET, PI) have conventionally been the flexible substrate materials of choice (uniformity of their surface properties and their non-porous nature). Using flexible fiber-based substrates introduces a new set of challenges for printed electronics. Papers are far more heterogeneous than polymer films. The porous structure can absorb the functional component. However, when these challenges have been overcome, many advantages can be exploited, like low cost and low environmental impact. Paper and cartonboard are also the preferred packaging material, and thus, the prospect of printing electronic elements inline directly onto packaging is attractive.

Source: Hakola & al. Inkjet printed active element on paper based on conductive and thermochromic materials. DF 2007.

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VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

4 Projects

Research example: a game demo The structure of the demonstrator

The final demonstrator consisted of two paper substrates laminated together. The user presses Alternative 1, 2 or 3 electric contact between conductive layers on substrates 1 and 2 thermochromic layer heats above 37 o thermochromic layer becomes transparent text below the thermochromic layer becomes visible (Answer)
Source: Hakola & al. Inkjet printed active element on paper based on conductive and thermochromic materials. DF 2007.

QUESTION?
e sw An e sw An e sw An r

Alternative 1

Alternative 2

Alternative 3

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VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

4 Projects

Research example: a game demo Final demonstrator

WRONG ANSWER
Source: Hakola & al. Inkjet printed active element on paper based on conductive and thermochromic materials. DF 2007.

CORRECT ANSWER
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VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

4 Projects

Research example: a game demo

It has been proven that this type of concept works when printed on paper substrates, requiring that the quality potential of the paper is matched to the complexity of the elements to be printed. Although all parts of the demonstrator were inkjet printed there still was a need for an external power source to make the game card work.

Source: Hakola & al. Inkjet printed active element on paper based on conductive and thermochromic materials. DF 2007.

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VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

5 Conclusions

Conclusions
Packaging is an informative, practical and aesthetic way to give messages, create added value, and impact consumers. On the other hand, package communication has big challenges such as the amount and quality of messages, competition of consumers and authenticating of products. In addition, a constant tendency towards greater efficiency also affects the field. Smart packaging must offer added functionality that improves the performance of packaging to address the challenges. Smart packaging is expected to be used in a broader range of applications in the future, especially due to printed solutions. There are a variety of technologies available and under development. However, there are still important challenges like total costs, the variety of technologies, end-user acceptance and disposal & recycling issues slowing down.
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VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

Gracias por su atencin!

Elina Rusko Research Scientist VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Email: elina.rusko@vtt.fi www.vtt.fi

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